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The focus of the Greater Baltimore Committee’s 63rd Annual Meeting was what is happening now, what is new and what is next.

“The GBC is the only private-sector regional business organization focused on growing our economy and working to make our city, region and state a more competitive place to do business,” said Greater Baltimore Committee President and CEO Donald C. Fry. “GBC’s active engagement in the public policy arena is vital because it provides the unique private sector perspective that often goes missing in policy debates in the halls of government. But the real strength of the GBC lies with its core – you – its members. It is the GBC members who develop the ideas, the solutions, and provide the influence that the GBC enjoys.

“The theme for this year’s meeting is Now, New, Next,” Fry said. “The GBC and its set of initiatives are focused not only on the now – our current state of affairs – but we are constantly working on fresh new programs as well as the next set of challenges.”

Fry made his remarks at the GBC’s sold-out 63rd Annual Meeting on May 14 before more than 800 GBC members and guests who attended the event, held at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner Harbor.

GBC’s newly-elected Board of Directors Chairman Paul A. Tiburzi focused his remarks on the GBC’s current and new initiatives.

“Focusing on the now, I am pleased to announce that the Greater Baltimore Committee and the Baltimore Metropolitan Council are this evening releasing the 2018 State of the Region report,” Tiburzi said. “It provides a detailed look at the current state of the region’s population, economy, educational achievement, business environment – and much more – contrasted to the GBC’s first State of the Region report released 20 years ago. The report provides a picture of the Baltimore region today and helps us understand the challenges and opportunities we face.”

Tiburzi highlighted the GBC’s new Next Up program, which works to nurture young professionals, enhance their careers and personal development skills and opportunities and network with their contemporaries across industry sectors. He also discussed #BWomen, another new program which will focus on recognizing and promoting the importance of gender equality and the vital role women play in the workplace. The goal is to support, advance and expand the number of women in leadership positions throughout the Greater Baltimore region.

He also touted the GBC’s plan to launch a new small business initiative that will stimulate increased small business access to capital and loan activity. The initiative will be particularly helpful for start-ups and minority-owned businesses.

In addition to addressing how the business community can contribute to Baltimore’s future, the event also celebrated the impact the GBC and its members have had on Baltimore City and the five surrounding counties since its founding in 1955. The GBC has advanced significant economic development projects, developed strategies for change and served as a thought leader and action-oriented advocate for fresh ideas regarding public policies and strategies driving the economic success, vitality and quality of life of the Greater Baltimore region.

The GBC honored with awards the work of individuals who, over the years, have made significant contributions to the region.

The GBC presented Michael Hankin, President and CEO of Brown Advisory, with the Regional Visionary Award and CollegeBound Foundation with the Walter Sondheim Jr. Public Service Award.

Since 1997, the GBC has presented Regional Visionary Awards to individuals who have significantly contributed to the betterment of the Greater Baltimore region. The award has been presented to political, education and business leaders for their vision and roles in improving the region.

The Walter Sondheim Public Service Award is presented to individuals, other than elected officials, who make outstanding contributions to the community without seeking recognition or accolades. Since 2007, the GBC has bestowed awards occasionally but not annually.

Following the awards presentation, Hallie Jackson, Chief White House Correspondent for NBC News, spoke about her journalism career and how the various lessons that she has learned throughout her career apply to Baltimore.

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